Gravestone of Fudayl ibn Musa

Unknown

10th–11th century · Alabaster; carved · Islamic Art

The tabular stele is the most common form of gravestone in the Islamic tradition, and this example belongs to a larger group, dated to the medieval period, whose inscriptions are fitted within a mihrab-like niche. The inscriptions on these gravestones all follow the same basic outline, starting with the invocation, "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate," and the profession of faith, "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God," followed by the name of the deceased and his father, ending with the prayer for blessings upon him. There were probably verses from the Qur'an surrounding this niche, but only the inner part of this tombstone has been preserved.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th–11th century

Medium

Alabaster; carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1936